Job Title:       Communications & Advancement Associate                   
Status:           Non-Exempt
Reports To:   Executive Director 

Position Summary: We are seeking a dynamic Communications & Advancement Associate to support our organization's external engagement and fundraising initiatives. This role reports directly to the Executive Director and plays a pivotal part in amplifying our mission through strategic communications and development efforts. The position will work 20 hours per week, with additional hours needed before annual events.

Primary Duties

• Strategic Operations & Support Partner with the Executive Director to execute the Advancement Fundraising Plan, focusing on expanding revenue streams through individual giving, corporate partnerships, and special events. Deliver executive support through targeted research, seamless meeting coordination, and thorough preparation of engagement materials. Facilitate leadership effectiveness by anticipating needs and managing operational details that enable strategic focus.
• Communications & Engagement Execute integrated communications strategies across multiple channels to deepen stakeholder connections. Maintain current communications calendars, manage social media presence, and ensure website content reflects organizational priorities and donor interests.
• Donor Relations & Database Management Oversee comprehensive donor database operations, ensuring accurate gift processing, timely weekly acknowledgments, current contact records, strategic moves management, and ongoing data integrity. Maintain meticulous records to support relationship building and retention efforts.
• Campaign & Outreach Execution Implement fundraising campaigns, donor appeals, and marketing materials. Coordinate print production and distribution while ensuring brand consistency and message alignment across all fundraising initiatives.
• Events and Logistical Support Support end-to-end implementation of events, such as the annual conservation celebration, outings, and cultivation events. Responsibilities include logistics, tracking attendance, and preparing communications before and after events.
• Community Relations Serve as a reliable liaison with community partners and vendor networks.

Minimum Educational & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience demonstrating comparable knowledge and skills
• Professional work experience; nonprofit experience a plus.

Minimum Skill Requirements

• Superior organizational skills with ability to project manage and prioritize to meet deadlines
• Advanced technology skills essential for modern workplace effectiveness
• Experience with database management, social media platforms, and design software preferred
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Personal passion for land conservation, the environment, rural communities, and the outdoors (preferred)
• Disciplined self-starter, capable of working independently as well as part of a team.
• Can adapt to changing priorities and address opportunities and challenges with common sense, strategic thinking, and appropriate engagement with Executive Director and staff
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to learn on the job
• Natural relationship-building skills
• Inspires trust and confidence through strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to results
• Thrives in a fast-paced work environment, while maintaining patience, good humor, and professionalism

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the position.

• Continuous remaining in a stationary position, particularly, but not limited to, at a desktop computer
• Continuous visual review of electronic and print documents
• Continuous repetitive use of hands/arms; particularly concerning typing, writing, phone & computer use
• Continuous communication: verbal and written, in-person, phone and electronic
• Occasional walking over uneven terrain during outings and other outdoor events

Work Environment

• In-person office environment averaging two times per week in Harrisonburg, VA
• Travel to meetings and events at various locations